Description
Description & Specifications
1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard – Sunburst
The History of This Beautiful Burst
The former owner purchased this guitar in 1969 from an unknown musician in Copenhagen, Denmark. Together with his father, he paid around $550 USD for this Gibson Les Paul, which had always been his dream guitar. At the time, he was playing in a Danish band called Benzon’s Railroad, a group active from 1967 to 1972, performing beat, rock, and blues music.
Over the years, the owner recognized the guitar’s increasing value and kept it hidden away in a secure place, rarely playing it and forbidding even his family from touching or mentioning it. This Gibson Les Paul Standard has remained with the same owner for over 50 years, making it an exceptionally well-preserved and uncirculated example — especially rare in Denmark, where very few Bursts were sold during the 1960s. This guitar is truly a remarkable barn find.
Description
We proudly present this historic piece directly from the original owner in 2019. This is an original early 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard in its iconic Cherry Sunburst finish, which has naturally faded into a beautiful Honeyburst over time. The guitar is in excellent condition for its age.
The original cherry finish remains intact under the pickguard, plastic poker chip, and pickup cavities — just as you want to see on a genuine Burst Les Paul. The guitar features all the classic 1959 specifications, including a ’59 neck profile, confirming its status as an early 1960 model and adding to its value. Serial number: 00198.
The finish on the front and back is completely original and untouched, with no cracks or repairs to the body or neck. The headstock is in great shape with only minor cosmetic wear. The gold silkscreened “Les Paul” script on the headstock has faded slightly but remains strong. The gorgeous mahogany back retains a deep cherry red color with very little fading, showing just minor buckle rash. The book-matched figured maple top displays typical Burst shading, mostly faded on the lower bout.
The original frets are used but in very good condition, with plenty of life left.
Electronics and Hardware
This vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard comes with its original and highly sought-after double white PAF pickups, known for their exceptional tone. The original pickup covers were removed by the previous owner in 1969 to enhance the sound; however, the covers are included. Due to the removal of the covers, some solder points in the control cavity have been redone and touched up. The guitar retains its original Centralab 500k audio taper pots and Bumble Bee capacitors, all in perfect working order.
The plastic poker chip around the toggle switch has been replaced with a reproduction, as is common for Bursts. The jack output plate and yellow switch tip have also been replaced.
Original hardware includes the tailpiece and ABR-1 bridge with original saddles. The original Kluson single-ring tuners remain but are slightly shrunken—a common occurrence. Replacement with quality reproduction parts is recommended while keeping the originals safe.
Playability and Tone
This Burst offers fantastic resonance and balanced weight, delivering the classic, rich tone that makes vintage Gibson Les Paul guitars legendary.
Included with the Guitar
The guitar comes with its original Gibson brown hardshell case with pink lining, with the handle and latches in perfect condition. Also included are the original PAF pickup covers, a 1971 photo of the former owner playing with Benzon’s Railroad, and an original band flyer from the same era.
